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Companions: Lawn care and your dog

By Dr. Jennifer Bolser HSBV Chief Clinic Veterinarian

Posted:
03/26/2012 01:00:00 AM MDT

Now that the days are longer and getting warmer, we are enjoying outdoor spaces more with our pets. You may be starting to add plants to the garden or providing maintenance care to spruce up your yard and garden. While you are cultivating plants, nurturing grass or trying to rid the yard of weeds, here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe from potential accidents, poisonings and emergencies.

General

recommendations

Safe storage: Store all fertilizers, chemicals, tools, etc. in closed cabinets or/and in pet proof containers. Don't leave bags out for dogs to chew through. Keep all products well-labeled, ideally in the original package. Before purchasing and using, we recommend that you read all labels to understand potential precautions that should be taken and to keep labels for reference if you need to call your vet or poison control.

Safe design: Planning a garden overhaul or starting from scratch? Consider non-metal lawn edging to avoid lacerated paws. Review the list of toxic plants on The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website (aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants) and either avoid planting these plants or ensure your pet won't have unsupervised access to these potential toxins. A few examples include lilies (many varieties), tulips, gardenias, irises, avocados and grass palms. Learn what plants are currently in your yard and determine if you need to keep your pet away.

The following list contains some of the most common examples of pet emergencies related to gardening season.

Most common pet

garden emergencies

Cocoa mulch: contains theobromine, the same chemical compound found in chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Dogs may be attracted to the scent of this mulch, and if ingested, it can cause illness. Mild symptoms include gastrointestinal upset e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. More severe symptoms can progress to muscle tremors, weakness, seizures and, in extreme or rare cases, death. The toxicity level depends on the amount of the mulch ingested and the size of the dog. Best rule of thumb: keep this type of mulch out of muzzle reach of your pooch.

Other types of mulch: (e.g., cedar, pine, fir, and spruce) can contain oils that cause gastrointestinal upset, and in very high concentrations possible neurologic symptoms.

Overconsumption of grass, mulch: Some of our pet companions are simply fascinated with eating anything and large amounts of it. These pets may get themselves into a life-threatening situation by eating so much that it causes stomach bloat or/and intestinal obstruction. These situations may require emergency intervention -- including surgery -- to cure. These pets should be supervised or not permitted in areas where they might ingest mulch, grass, etc. Working with a trainer may be a tool to help train your dog to avoid this behavior.

Fertilizers or weed killers: Proper use of these substances is key to protecting your pets. Read all warning labels of any products that you are using. Some will indicate that the substance is not harmful to pets or people once it has dried. Some may recommend a certain number of hours or days before coming into contact with treated grass. Be aware of the forecast: if it is going to be a windy day, avoid applying these products. If rain is predicted too soon after you will be applying the product, it would be best to wait. Exposure to these chemicals can cause skin and pad irritation, oral (tongue, gum tissue) irritation if eaten, possibly gastrointestinal upset if swallowed. For cats, permethrin-based products are especially toxic, causing neurologic changes, seizures, death.

Compost ingestion: Compost bins often contain many foods that are toxic to our pets, including coffee and onions. Keep these bins in an area that your pet can't reach or a place that is well enclosed.

Metal lawn edging and other sharp tools: Many wounds that occur on the paws of our pets can be prevented by eliminating our pets' exposure to these sharp objects.

Parks and open fields:Watch for flags that indicate recent pesticide usage. Consider consulting with your local grounds maintenance about the products that they use.

If your pet is exposed, the following are general guidelines. In all cases, consultation with your veterinarian is the best recommendation.

Skin or pad exposure:rinse well with water, bathe with mild shampoo (i.e., oatmeal based) to remove oils and chemicals from skin surfaces.

Ingestions: Call your veterinarian for advice. Depending on what was eaten, the amount, and the time frame of ingestion, your vet may counsel you regarding inducing vomiting and emergency treatment, or they may determine that no treatment is needed.

ASPCA Poison Hotline(aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control), 1.888.426.4435. There is currently a $65 fee.

We hope these tips will help keep your pets safe this summer from common gardening mishaps!

Jennifer Bolser, DVM is Chief Clinic Veterinarian for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley's full-service public veterinary clinic. The veterinary clinic is located at 2323 55th Street in Boulder and is open six days a week. Info: boulderhumane.org or call 303-442-4030 option 2.

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